The Wildwood Boardwalk is a hub for walkers, joggers and bicyclists during the summer season. (Photo courtesy of the Wildwoods)
Five New Jersey men are under arrest for what authorities are calling an unprovoked attack on an off-duty Stone Harbor police officer on the Wildwood Boardwalk.
The victim, whose name was not released, sustained significant injuries, including a concussion and facial fractures, Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland said in a news release.
The attack occurred on March 12 while the victim was running on the Wildwood Boardwalk.
“Detectives quickly determined that the attack was unprovoked and targeted the victim while he was exercising on the Boardwalk,” according to the release.
The five men arrested in the assault are from Camden and Gloucester counties. They include Isaiah Ortiz, 19, of Lindenwold, Elijah Williams, 19, of Deptford, William Jewell, 20, of Magnolia, Manuel Ortiz, 21, of Lindenwold, and Maliky Reyes, 20, of Stafford.
Isaiah Ortiz was charged with aggravated assault, conspiracy to commit assault and failure to render aid to a victim.
Williams was charged with aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit assault.
They were taken to the Cape May County Correctional Facility.
Jewell, Reyes and Manuel Ortiz were each charged with failure to render aid to a victim. They were released on summonses pending a court appearance.
In the release, Sutherland and Wildwood Police Chief Joseph Murphy emphasized the swift and coordinated response of law enforcement in leading to the arrests. They also stressed their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and visitors in Cape May County, particularly in areas such as the Wildwood Boardwalk.
“The collaborative efforts of our office and the Wildwood Police Department have been instrumental in swiftly identifying those responsible for this senseless attack,” Sutherland said.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit at 609-465-1135 or Wildwood Police Department’s Detective Division at 609-522-0222 or visit cmcpo.tips.
